Along with cleaning advice, this is actually one of the most common questions in the dental field. Speak with your dentist, and they’ll tell you how many people ask the following every single day – ‘do I need a crown?’. The reason for this common question is that the procedure itself is one of the most used solutions for problems in the mouth. With a dental crown, patients can often keep their teeth healthy for a longer period.
Occasions Where a Dental Crown Is Recommended
When should you consider getting a dental crown? One of the most common problems that a crown resolves is a cracked tooth. When we break our arm, the good news is that the body has an amazing ability to heal itself over time. Unfortunately, this ability isn’t present in our teeth. When a tooth is cracked, this is serious enough to warrant a crown, or even a veneer like those offered by McMahons Point cosmetic dentistry. Many dentists offer both annual cleaning care, and cosmetic dentistry, making them a one stop shop for all your dental needs.
This being said, the type of work required depends on the crack itself. For example, some cracks will run vertically from the tip of the tooth right down to the gum. Extraction (or crown lengthening) is recommended when a crack goes past the gumline.
On some occasions, what looks like a cracked tooth can actually be a ‘craze line’. Not only is this not as serious, but experts believe that most adults have these lines towards the back of the mouth. Typically, these are simple stress lines without any risk to structural strength or integrity. The only time a crown is required for a craze line is where the dentist is concerned a crack may develop (or when deep stains are present).
Other purposes of a crown include:
● Protecting a decayed tooth
● Restoring a broken tooth
● Covering a dental implant
● Restoring worn down teeth caused by grinding
● Reshaping or closing a gap between teeth
● Covering a large filling
Usually, you should consider getting a dental crown when any problems of this nature threaten to damage your teeth or cause further issues. While some dental health problems fade, others will only get worse with time.
Should I Wait?
In cases where dental professionals are suggesting a crown as a precautionary measure, you have the option of waiting where one of four things will happen. Firstly, the tooth might not get worse, but it also won’t get better. Secondly, you might need root canal treatment. Thirdly, it could crack or chip. Fourthly, the tooth could require extraction or crown lengthening after a split.
Sometimes, it’s worth considering a dental crown because the threat of taking no action is much worse. Dentists don’t have a magic ball, so they can’t predict what will happen weeks or months down the line (sorry!). If you want to prevent more significant problems later, it might be better to get the crown now.
Benefits of a Dental Crown
● It lasts for between five and 15 years
● Could prevent more expensive (and painful) treatments in the future
● High success rate compared to other dental procedures
Drawbacks of a Dental Crown
Sadly, one of the biggest potential problems with dental crowns is that the professional will need to file the tooth down to fit a crown. Not only is this a serious step, but it’s also irreversible. If you’re sensitive to extreme temperatures, the procedure can also cause some discomfort. For some people, the crown also takes some adjusting before it gets into the right position, and this causes sensitivity in the meantime.
Other problems include:
● Potential for chipping
● Risk of an allergic reaction (to metal or porcelain)
● Costly
Have a serious conversation with your dentist and follow their advice for a healthy smile. You can get a professional opinion with this reputable dentist in San Diego.
